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Free Trade Can Only be resisted by Togetherness

BANTUL, KOMPAS.com - Facing the flow of ASEAN-China free trade, the craftsmen in DIY requested does not flinch. With unity among fellow crafters, free trade will not undermine the existence of the craftsmen. ASEAN countries, China may also be difficult to imitate because of its handmade artisan products or made from the creative hands of artisans.

It was announced by the Governor of Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono X in the event title and industry of cultural tourism, in the village of Manding, Bantul Sabdodadi Village, Saturday (10/4/2010). Crafters do not individualistic because of the nature that would ease foreign party to destroy the local industry. Craftsmen have always maintained unity, he said.

According to him, togetherness also facilitate capital for example by forming cooperatives. If willing, ready to roll Sultan capital assistance to a group of artisans.

"One form of togetherness is a degree of cultural events like this," he said.

Sultan added that togetherness does not mean reduced competition, but its direction is not lethal price competition for other crafters. Competition should be directed to the creative spirit. If the creativity of artisans is high, then they need not be afraid of China and ASEAN because these countries can only mimic the things that are mass-production factories.